It’s nearing the end of 2011 but there’s still a few more days of holiday cheer coming our way. With all the cocktail parties, lunches, dinners and get togethers of the season, we find it hard to be creative when thinking of what to make when ringing in the New Year. So, in order to make this Eve bright (and easy) I asked Kathrin to share with me the recipe for her famous (famous in my book, anyway) gluten free nut cake. It is the dessert I request most when Kathrin is cooking for me. And, because it’s not a regular in the repertoire of American cooking it never ceases to surprise and delight. I’ve included Kathrin’s recipe here. Try it and see if it isn’t just the perfect treat for your New Year’s entertaining. Have a happy, merry holiday season. Come and cook with us!
Category: Quick Fixes
10 minutes or less of your time
Quick Quinoa and Vegetable Bowl (à la Café Gratitude)
In several locations in California (both Northern and Southern) there is a great vegan café called Café Gratitude. Its raw and cooked vegan and vegetarian items are thoughtfully prepared, and delicious. One item on the menu that Kathrin and I love is the vegetable grain bowl. This week we pay homage to that delicious dish with our own preparation – the Quick Quinoa and Vegetable bowl. This dish, while not quite a 15 minute “Dinner Winner”, deserves to be in that category for it’s simple preparation, easy adaptability, and delicious results. Continue reading “Quick Quinoa and Vegetable Bowl (à la Café Gratitude)”
The Joy of the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
There might be better ways than hiking to celebrate a major milestone birthday (I’m not telling which one), but this year my friend Helen and I decided that attempting to climb Mt. Whitney would be the right way to celebrate this event (with our devoted husbands cheering us on, and climbing as well). So, last Sunday night, in freezing weather, thunderstorms and snow, we set out to climb Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain of the contiguous United States. We didn’t make it to the top (the weather was NOT permitting), but we had a great time anyway. Breathtaking views, raging snow-storms, and a nice bottle of French red wine to celebrate all helped to make this a birthday to remember, but what capped the experience was finding the perfect grilled cheese sandwich waiting for us in Lone Pine. That sandwich, and everything it represents, helped us feel welcomed by civilization again. In honor of my wonderful birthday hiking meal, this week’s post is dedicated to the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Continue reading “The Joy of the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich”
Summer Salsa
School started in Calistoga this past Monday. I couldn’t believe it. As I drove past the high school I saw students gathering in the parking lot, and the telltale “Welcome Back Wildcats!” message hanging across the front of the building. I was a bit sad – we start school early here in Northern California, no doubt, but no matter how early it is school still means one thing: summer’s almost over and fall is about to begin. So, in honor of the end of summer (that luscious season filled with juicy sweet stone fruits, berries and endless sweet melons) Kathrin and I have chosen to dedicate this week’s post to that fantastic “sauce of summer”, salsa. Continue reading “Summer Salsa”
Hot, Hot, Hot!
Here in Northern California the weather has been warm. Very warm. So warm, in fact, that when it’s time to cook dinner I want to stick my head in the freezer and not come out. But, there’s only so much freezer living you can do before it’s time to eat, so we thought we would dedicate this week’s post to cooking when it’s hot. Continue reading “Hot, Hot, Hot!”
Come and Cook with Us 